Rachel Larson Bohman (formerly Rachel Smith), who previously headed up Anoka and Hennepin County elections, has announced that she is running. Personally, I previously worked with her at Hennepin County and can say she is a 100% class act. She's a total professional and has my support.

Apparently Reps Pat Garofalo and Steve Simon are also considering jumping in the race.

I like Rachel because she really isn't that partisan and has actually worked with election administration first hand. I would hate for it to go to a relatively high profile legislator simply because they have the ability to fundraise.

Those seem to be the only two types that run for SoS and AG (and State Auditor). Wonks who nobody knows that'd do a good job, and careerists wanting a higher profile for eventual Governor/US Senator run.

Winkler is certainly ambitious and outspoken, but I never thought he was too serious about a run. It's tough for a current Representative to run because they would have to give up their seat in the legislature. In contrast, a State Senator or former legislator has nothing to lose. Hilstrom is the exception I guess, in that she's been in the House for a long time (14 yrs!) and is ready to put it on the line to move up. Winkler on the other hand would have been a young, ambitious, well-liked Democrat with nowhere to go if he lost.

I don't find his statement all that offensive. Risky, yes, perhaps ill-advised because people are all so super-sensitive, but not really offensive or worthy of apology.